Flux DSL Written Review Review by The Good Ride

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Ethics Statement: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews.  We do make money from the “Where To Buy” links, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average riders’ perspective.

How it rides and who it is for

How This Review Happened:  We borrowed this for an extended demo and then returned it.

Days: 1
Riders:  James (Size 9, 5’10” 185-190lbs), Peter (Size 8, 5’11” 185lbs)
Boots: Adidas Tactical ADV, Adidas Tactical Lexicon ADV
Insoles: Sandsole Custom Insoles, Footprint Insole Technology Gamechangers,
Boards: Korua Otto, Endeavor Pioneer

Similar (but not the same) Bindings: Union Strata,

Approximate Weight

1.8lbs- These are very light and you feel it.

Highback Flex

The Flux DSL has a nice easy twist to it and a little give when you pull it straight back. I personally love this type of high back. It doesn’t bite into even featured calves like mine.

Binding to Boot Adjustability

The Flux DSL has all the usual tooless adjustability which is very helpful on the hill. The gas pedal and heel plate slide in/out so you can get your boot to fit on the footbed well. You can’t center it in the base plate though because the heel loop isn’t adjustable.

Stance Width Adjustability

If you are right in the middle of the recommended sizing you might get your boot centered in the Flux DSL. If that is the case you can turn your discs sideways and get some stance width adjustability. Most won’t be able to though and they’ll need to turn the discs so they can center the binding on board.

Boot Support

The Flux DSL, like all Flux bindings has great boot support. They mount their ankle straps on the inside of the heel loop so they wrap perfectly around the boot. The toe straps are the best in the business. They just fit every boot we have ever tried with them over the last 15 years like they are made for them. It really pulls your boot back into the heel cup and causes zero pressure points. The ankle strap isn’t super big so it still gives you some movement for more of a mountain freestyle approach.

Ratchet System

The Flux DSL’s ratchet system is smooth and cranks down hard. One of the best in the business.

Flex Under Foot/Buttering

The way the Flux DSL made the base plate makes it pretty easy to butter. It curves up by the heel and it makes the board bend easier there. You can put stoppers on to lessen than and make the board feel a little less buttery/more damp if you want.

Turn Initiation/Response

There is a lot more response than you would think for a binding of this type. It was a little more responsive than the Union Strata we tested it against. Flux is all about giving you the most response you can get for a binding with this flex.

Shock Absorption/Dampness

You get a lot of response but it comes at the cost of shock absorption. This is the deal breaker for us. There is almost no shock absorption. The minute the conditions change from perfect smooth groomers you start to feel every micro bump and the day becomes less and less fun. We were terrified of getting air because an off landing will punish you with the Flux DSL’s. It made our Korua Otto, a pretty damp board, feel like it was a chattery mess by mid-day. So while we can’t say enough good things about the rest of this binding we can’t say enough bad things about its utter lack of shock absorption. It is like Flux doesn’t care about joints or anyone that wants to ride over 25 years old.  If you have joint issues stay away. Even our Adidas Tactical ADV’s with insanely good shock absorption didn’t help. I wish they sold a gas pedal and heel plate (both are removable) that were made of some soft shock absorbent urethane or had a bunch of EVA Foam in there because I would gladly give up a good bit of response for even moderate shock absorption.

So as you can see shock absorption again is a deal breaker for us. If it wasn’t for this the Flux DSL would be an exceptional binding and if shock absorption isn’t important to you then it is.